14 October 2021
Dear family member/resident representative,
Yesterday I let you know that of the results we had received so far from Tuesday’s tests, one resident had tested positive. By late yesterday we had received all results which revealed a further resident had tested positive.
The resident is not currently experiencing any symptoms but as they are not vaccinated, they have been transferred to Wollongong Hospital for closer monitoring.
Residents diagnosed with COVID-19 and remaining at the Centre are stable. Some are experiencing a range of symptoms including a fever and cough while others are still experiencing no symptoms at all. We continue to monitor them closely.
Our eight other residents transferred late last week to either Wollongong or Lawrence Hargrave Hospital also remain stable.
All results for Tuesday’s tests on employees have been received and were negative.
We continue to manage the centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan and in consultation with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and representatives of the Federal Health department.
Grouping of residents
Today we will be working with these health authorities to develop a plan for grouping our positive residents in one section of the care centre. This may mean some residents will need to be temporary re-located. If your loved one is one of these people I will call you today to discuss this.
Staffing
Staffing at the centre continues in a rotating roster to ensure we have coverage for those who are still isolating. To support this we have additional staff on site from external agencies. All are qualified and vaccinated but it is taking them time to get to know all the residents and their individual needs. We are grateful to our residents for their patience with this.
We understand being isolated in their rooms is a challenge for most residents and our staff are doing what they can to engage with them and assist with activities, as well as gentle exercises to ensure their strength and mobility.
They also continue to assist where needed with phone and video calls to family and friends. If you are talking with your loved one and have any concerns about them we would appreciate it if you could please let us know. In addition to their range of treats for our residents, our Catering team will today be providing milkshakes and ice creams for their enjoyment.
Testing again today
All residents and staff are being tested again today.
I realise the continued testing is uncomfortable for some residents but I am grateful for their cooperation with this important process.
Information session
Yesterday I let you know about an open information session for nominated representatives tomorrow Friday (15 October) at 3pm. The session, to be hosted via Zoom by the Seniors Rights Service, will allow you to ask questions and have them answered in a facilitated, open and informative forum.
I mentioned yesterday that our residents will also be invited to attend – we are currently challenged with the logistics of this, given their room confinement. If we are unable to make it available live to residents we will record the session and make it available after the event. If your loved one has specific questions you might like to ask them on their behalf.
Our CEO Patrick Reid and I will join the panel which will include representatives of the state and federal health departments as well as the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
To register for the session please go to the link below and follow the prompts.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/190752083617
Ongoing communication
As you are a nominated representative I will continue to update you, via this daily email and our team will continue to contact you by phone. Please pass on this information to other family contacts as you deem appropriate.
Delivery of Gifts
It has been nice to see such a wide range of gifts delivered for our residents. Please remember to assist with the following when ordering them for delivery, or dropping them off:
- Remember to include your loved one’s name on the gift so we can ensure it goes to the right person
- All items to be delivered between 10am – 11am or 1pm – 2pm
- All items to be placed on a table which has been positioned and is identified as the table for gift delivery outside reception (this has been moved further undercover from the rain but is still easily identified)
- Do not send items that require refrigeration
No visiting
As previously stated the centre remains closed to all visitors (other than those attending for end of life).
If you have any questions or concerns we would appreciate it if you called our Customer Service Team on 134 478.
Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
